The police command in Ondo says it has arrested two suspected cultists, uncovered hideouts and recovered firearms in Ondo town, Ondo East LGA.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The alleged cultists were arrested on April 11.

Mr Jimoh said the arrest was part of the command’s operational efforts toward curbing cultism and other violent crimes across the state, with renewed focus on intelligence-led policing and strategic community collaboration.

He said the suspects were arrested by the operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Akure, while acting on credible and actionable intelligence provided by the Ondo End Miscreant Group.

The spokesperson, who explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were affiliated with the notorious Eiye and Aiye confraternities, said both had been linked to recurring incidents of violent rivalry in parts of the state.

“The suspects were specifically identified as participants in a cult-related clash that occurred on April 9 within the premises of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.

“They are members of rival groups reportedly engaged in a confrontation that threatened public peace and safety. Upon their arrest, the suspects, identified as Nnamdi Sunday ‘M’ and Adegbuyi Seyi ‘M’ cooperated with investigators and led the operatives to a suspected Aiye cult hideout located at Oka Garage Area of Ondo Town.

“A thorough search of the location resulted in the recovery of one locally made English pistol, believed to have been used in furtherance of criminal activities. The suspects are currently in police custody, while an investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network, apprehend other fleeing members, and recover additional arms and ammunition that may be in circulation,” he said.

According to the statement, the police commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s firm resolve to rid Ondo State of cultism and all forms of criminality.

“The CP emphasises that the command will not relent in its efforts to ensure that perpetrators of violence are identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law. The command further commends the coordinator of the Ondo End Miscreant Group for the timely and useful information that aided this operation.

“It also calls on residents to emulate this example by remaining vigilant and providing credible intelligence to security agencies. Such cooperation remains vital in sustaining the gains recorded in the fight against crime.

“Members of the public are assured of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, and are encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly through appropriate channels,” he said. 

(NAN)